going back to the topic as it where-we were out on an advanced course last night with a sw gale forecast as imminent-and it did indeed arrive. Direction of the wind and size of tide is important here-the boat was fine both with and against the seas as long as it was trimmed right. The rough weather handling was a new experience for the boys on board but the big deal last night was the lack of visibility. Driving rain came with the wind and visibility was akin to a thick fog, on an ebbing tide in Morecambe Bay you don't want to be in the wrong spot. Goggles definitely needed and the plotter was reassuring. Then it was like a yachtmaster weather lesson. As the cold front came thru the wind veered and the visibility went from next to nothing to startlingly clear. Awesome night.

going back to the topic as it where-we were out on an advanced course last night with a sw gale forecast as imminent-and it did indeed arrive. Direction of the wind and size of tide is important here-the boat was fine both with and against the seas as long as it was trimmed right. The rough weather handling was a new experience for the boys on board but the big deal last night was the lack of visibility. Driving rain came with the wind and visibility was akin to a thick fog, on an ebbing tide in Morecambe Bay you don't want to be in the wrong spot. Goggles definitely needed and the plotter was reassuring. Then it was like a yachtmaster weather lesson. As the cold front came thru the wind veered and the visibility went from next to nothing to startlingly clear. Awesome night.

See, I told you it would be fine!

Seriously though, it wasn't all that pleasant with the stinging rain and a fair bit of spray out on the rougher stuff, but a very useful experience nontheless!

ah yes I seem to remember your prediction that "it might be a bit fresh in the evening". Good trip though-especially afterwards in the warm and dry when you know that you have survived
ps Graham has left his trackie top here-will e mail you for address to return it.

going back to the topic as it where-we were out on an advanced course last night with a sw gale forecast as imminent-and it did indeed arrive. Direction of the wind and size of tide is important here-the boat was fine both with and against the seas as long as it was trimmed right. The rough weather handling was a new experience for the boys on board but the big deal last night was the lack of visibility. Driving rain came with the wind and visibility was akin to a thick fog, on an ebbing tide in Morecambe Bay you don't want to be in the wrong spot. Goggles definitely needed and the plotter was reassuring. Then it was like a yachtmaster weather lesson. As the cold front came thru the wind veered and the visibility went from next to nothing to startlingly clear. Awesome night.